Reviewed by Tim Holden

For his 52nd album the Franciscan friar has created a musical setting for the Mass, in particular the new translation of the Roman Missal and added to this 10 meditational songs that complement this "Mass Of Rebirth". John has stuck to his traditional gentle orchestrations, nimbly picked guitar and mellow vocals which result in a work that is very easy on the ear and certainly aids meditation of the Godhead. The Mass setting skilfully updates the medieval monastic chants into a modern style with rich multilayered vocals without losing its heritage and that sits well in the context of the whole album. The other tracks offer a tapestry of vocal lines on some beautiful melodies with accompaniments that range from pared back wind instruments through to full orchestrations. In today's Church few are able to match Talbot's unerring ability to deliver spirit-warming devotional music.

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